Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Walter C. Millanzi, Kalafunja M. Osaki, Stephen M. Kibusi
Summary: Regardless of the importance of youth in socio-economic development, adolescents in Tanzania aged between 10 and 19 years face issues related to their basic needs as well as Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). This study found that parent-adolescent communication about SRH matters was low, with 73.3% of adolescents reporting never having discussed it with their parents. The study suggests the need for collaborative interventions to improve parent-adolescent communication about SRH matters.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rhiannon Evans, Maria Boffey, Sarah MacDonald, Jane Noyes, G. J. Melendez-Torres, Helen E. Morgan, Rob Trubey, Michael Robling, Simone Willis, Charlotte Wooders
Summary: This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on mental health and well-being interventions for care-experienced children and young people, considering factors such as impact, equity, cost-effectiveness, context, implementation, and acceptability. Stakeholder consultation will prioritize a program theory and intervention for potential further development and evaluation in the UK.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ruby Doryn Mcharo, Philippe Mayaud, Sia E. Msuya
Summary: The research found that young people prefer to discuss sexual and reproductive health matters with peers rather than parents, highlighting the need to strengthen parents' communication and education skills. At the same time, comprehensive and targeted sexual and reproductive health education in schools is also needed.
Review
Education & Educational Research
Michaela D. Mullis, Amanda Kastrinos, Easton Wollney, Greenberry Taylor, Carma L. Bylund
Summary: Communication between parents and children about sexual and reproductive health can improve safe sex practices among adolescents, but there are barriers to such communication, including personal, societal, and cultural obstacles. Research has found that both parents and children often experience embarrassment, discomfort, and fear when engaging in these conversations.
SEX EDUCATION-SEXUALITY SOCIETY AND LEARNING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dorcus Achen, Viola N. Nyakato, Cecilia Akatukwasa, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Wendo Mlahagwa, Ruth Kaziga, Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza, Godfrey Z. Rukundo, Kristien Michielsen, Stella Neema, Gily Coene
Summary: This study aims to critically understand the impact of gender norms on parent-child sexual and reproductive health (SRH) communication in rural southwestern Uganda. The results indicate that cultural gender norms, religion, media influences, socioeconomic challenges, lack of knowledge, and the role of peers and schools are all factors affecting parent-child SRH communication.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amelia Ngozi Odo, Justina Ifeoma Ofuebe, Anthony Ifeanyi Anike, Efiong Sunday Samuel
Summary: The study found that socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, income, and living status, as well as psycho-cultural and health system factors, are important predictors of young people's utilization of SRHS.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Agnes Le Port, Moustapha Seye, Jessica Heckert, Amber Peterman, Annick Nganya Tchamwa, Malick Dione, Abdou Salam Fall, Melissa Hidrobo
Summary: This study demonstrated the feasibility of using film clubs to deliver sensitive edutainment content in rural areas, with the potential for scale-up. While adaptation of the intervention helped reach the target population and improve participant attendance, fidelity to the original design may have been compromised.
Article
Family Studies
Dean M. Busby, Nathan R. Jeffery, Veronica R. Hanna-Walker
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relationship between parental sexual passion styles and parent-child communication about sex. The findings revealed that harmonious sexual passion was associated with higher communication frequency, openness, and adolescent disclosure. On the other hand, obsessive and inhibited sexual passion were correlated with parental control of communication and adolescent secrecy.
JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jefferson Mwaisaka, Lianne Gonsalves, Mary Thiongo, Michael Waithaka, Hellen Sidha, Otieno Alfred, Carol Mukiira, Peter Gichangi
Summary: The study aimed to explore young people's experiences using an on-demand SRH mHealth platform in Kenya. The results showed varied user experiences and levels of satisfaction, from ease of use for most respondents to systematic frustrations for some. Interesting features of the mHealth platform included immediate response to message requests, weekly quizzes, and the perceived ability of educational content to change behaviors. Proposed enhancements included revising concepts for easy understanding and increasing interactivity for young people seeking clarity on difficult terms or additional information.
JMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ilana Rachel Cliffer, Mashavu H. Yussuf, Ourohire Millogo, Mary Mwanyika-Sando, Yllassa Barry, Innocent S. Yusufu, Elena Cori Hemler, Ali Sie, Amani Tinkasimile, Guillaume Compaore, Ali Salim Ali, Idrissa Kouanda, Dongqing Wang, Dominic Mosha, Wafaie Fawzi
Summary: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of weekly iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation with daily multiple micronutrient supplements (MMSs) in the prevention of anemia and improvement of school outcomes among adolescents in Burkina Faso and Tanzania. A three-arm cluster-randomised, school-based supplementation trial will be conducted among 84 schools and approximately 4500 students aged 10-17, with baseline and endline surveys to assess various variables. Results will be disseminated through meetings with health ministries and peer-reviewed publications.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Denis Kibira, Cornelia Asiimwe, Moses Muwonge, Hendrika A. van den Ham, Tim Reed, Hubert G. Leufkens, Aukje K. Mantel-Teeuwisse
Summary: The study found that donor commitments and disbursements for sexual and reproductive health aid in four sub-Saharan countries showed a growth trend from 2002 to 2017, with an overall disbursement rate of 93%. The largest proportion of aid came from Development Assistance Cooperation (DAC) countries, with Kenya receiving the highest percentage of total aid at 33%. Despite improvements in SRH outcome and impact indicators, progress remained slow and additional funding is needed to meet global SRHR targets.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Balsam Qubais Saeed, John Elvis Hagan Jr, Ugochinyere Ijeoma Nwagbara
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted sexual and reproductive health, leading to limited access to family planning services, reduced multiple sexual partnerships, decreased transactional sex, and disruptions in maternal and child health services. Prioritizing interventions that ensure immediate availability and access to all sexual and reproductive health services is crucial.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mark D. Deboer, Sarah E. Elwood, James A. Platts-Mills, Joann M. Mcdermid, Rebecca J. Scharf, Elizabeth T. Rogawski Mcquade, Samwel Jatosh, Eric R. Houpt, Estomih Mduma
Summary: This study aimed to assess the associations between circulating biomarkers related to nutrition and inflammation with growth and cognitive development in children. The results showed consistent links between individual biomarkers and growth and cognitive outcomes, providing evidence for the relationship between nutrition and inflammation in early child development. Rating: 8/10.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hua Wang, Sneha Gupta, Arvind Singhal, Poonam Muttreja, Sanghamitra Singh, Poorva Sharma, Alice Piterova
Summary: SnehAI, the first Hinglish AI chatbot developed by the Population Foundation of India, aims to address sexual and reproductive health issues among adolescents and young adults in India. Through investigation and analysis, SnehAI has demonstrated multiple functional affordances as described in the Gibson theory, and has achieved successful user engagement and communication.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Family Studies
Jill R. McTavish, Nancy Santesso, Avni Amin, Megin Reijnders, Muhammad Usman Ali, Donna Fitzpatrick-Lewis, Harriet L. MacMillan
Summary: The findings highlight the need for more and larger studies to evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents exposed to sexual abuse in low- and middle-income countries.
CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
(2021)
Article
Criminology & Penology
Joyce Wamoyi, Meghna Ranganathan, Samuel Mugunga, Heidi Stockl
Summary: Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue globally, with a lack of clarity on its conceptualization in various settings, especially in low-income countries. This study in Mwanza, Tanzania, explored how different population groups understood, conceptualized, and experienced sexual harassment. The study highlighted the critical role of consent, male power dynamics, and social norms in shaping perceptions of sexual harassment. Consent and gendered power dynamics were found to be fundamental in defining and measuring sexual harassment, emphasizing the need for consensus on its definition in order to effectively address it.
JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Kevin Deane, Joyce Wamoyi, Samwel Mgunga, John Changalucha
Summary: Despite high prevalence rates of HIV in the wealthiest quintile, research on HIV testing attitudes and practices among wealthier men is lacking. Wealthier men face similar barriers and enablers to testing as the general population, but concerns about loss of social status and community standing are amplified. While HIV stigma remains high, access to private clinics and other means allows wealthy men to avoid stigma.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joyce Wamoyi, Mitzy Gafos, Lottie Howard-Merrill, Janet Seeley, Rebecca Meiksin, Nambusi Kygombe, Lori Heise, Ana Maria Buller
Summary: This study conducted participatory focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with AGYW in rural and urban Tanzania to explore their aspirations, which were categorized as short-term and long-term. The aspirations of AGYW were influenced by social context and peers, with some long-term aspirations hindered by a lack of independent capabilities. In pursuit of their aspirations, AGYW engaged in higher risk sexual behaviors.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Shoshanna L. Fine, Robert W. Blum, Judith K. Bass, Aimee M. Lulebo, Anggriyani W. Pinandari, William Stones, Siswanto A. Wilopo, Xiayun Zuo, Rashelle J. Musci
Summary: This study used data from the Global Early Adolescent Study to characterize prototypical patterns of emotional and behavioral problems among early adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, and explore the extent to which these patterns varied by country and sex.
DEVELOPMENT AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Annelien C. de Kat, Jane E. Hirst, Mark Woodward, Fernando C. Barros, Hellen C. Barsosio, James A. Berkley, Maria Carvalho, Leila Cheikh Ismail, Rose McGready, Shane A. Norris, Francois Nosten, Eric Ohuma, Chrystelle O. O. Tshivuila-Matala, William Stones, Eleonora Staines Urias, Maria Clara Restrepo-Mendez, Ann Lambert, Shama Munim, Adele Winsey, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Zulfiqar Bhutta, Jose Villar, Stephen H. Kennedy, Sanne A. E. Peters
Summary: This study externally validated and calibrated previously published models that predicted the risk of preeclampsia based on blood pressure at multiple time points in pregnancy. It found that these prediction models could potentially serve as a risk stratifying tool to help identify women who might benefit from increased surveillance during pregnancy.
PREGNANCY HYPERTENSION-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sant-Rayn Pasricha, Martin N. Mwangi, Ernest Moya, Ricardo Ataide, Glory Mzembe, Rebecca Harding, Truwah Zinenani, Leila M. Larson, Ayse Y. Demir, William Nkhono, Jobiba Chinkhumba, Julie A. Simpson, Danielle Clucas, William Stones, Sabine Braat, Kamija S. Phiri
Summary: In a study conducted in Malawi, the use of a modern intravenous iron formulation, ferric carboxymaltose, for treating anemia in pregnant women did not reduce the prevalence of anemia at 36 weeks' gestation or increase birthweight as expected.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carla Sendra-Balcells, Victor M. Campello, Jordina Torrents-Barrena, Yahya Ali Ahmed, Mustafa Elattar, Benard Ohene-Botwe, Pempho Nyangulu, William Stones, Mohammed Ammar, Lamya Nawal Benamer, Harriet Nalubega Kisembo, Senai Goitom Sereke, Sikolia Z. Wanyonyi, Marleen Temmerman, Eduard Gratacos, Elisenda Bonet, Elisenda Eixarch, Kamil Mikolaj, Martin Gronnebaek Tolsgaard, Karim Lekadir
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carla Sendra-Balcells, Victor M. Campello, Jordina Torrents-Barrena, Yahya Ali Ahmed, Mustafa Elattar, Benard Ohene-Botwe, Pempho Nyangulu, William Stones, Mohammed Ammar, Lamya Nawal Benamer, Harriet Nalubega Kisembo, Senai Goitom Sereke, Sikolia Z. Wanyonyi, Marleen Temmerman, Eduard Gratacos, Elisenda Bonet, Elisenda Eixarch, Kamil Mikolaj, Martin Gronnebaek Tolsgaard, Karim Lekadir
Summary: Most AI research and innovations have focused on high-income countries with abundant imaging data, IT infrastructures, and clinical expertise. However, progress has been slower in limited-resource environments, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to antenatal screening is limited. This study explores different strategies for reducing the domain-shift effect in transferring a fetal plane classification model from high-resource settings to low-resource settings.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Patricia Kamanga, Bo Zhang, William Stones
Summary: In 2012, over 500,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide, with more than 80% occurring in developing nations like Malawi. The incidence of cervical cancer in Malawi is 75.9 per 100,000 women and the mortality rate is 49.8 per 100,000 women. However, immunization and screening rates are low in Malawi, with coverage as low as 9% and 15% respectively. This study aims to uncover factors contributing to the low utilization of cervical cancer screening services among women in Lilongwe.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
William Stones, Anjali Nair
Summary: By reviewing studies on staffing norms in healthcare facilities, we have identified potential indicators and benchmarks for emergency obstetric and newborn care. These indicators should reflect the numbers and competencies of staff present during each shift. We propose a core indicator, the Monthly mean delivery unit staffing ratio, calculated as the number of annual births divided by 365 divided by the monthly average shift staff census.
FRONTIERS IN GLOBAL WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Demography
Mohammad Nahid Mia, Shehrin Shaila Mahmood, Mohammad Iqbal, Abbas Bhuiya, Saseendran Pallikadavath, William Stones
Summary: This study assessed the completeness of antenatal care coverage in Bangladesh following the implementation of a voucher scheme. The results showed that participation in the voucher scheme was associated with higher completeness index scores for antenatal care. The scheme also reduced disparities in healthcare access based on health facility type and socioeconomic status. This suggests that the voucher scheme has the potential to improve maternal and newborn health by enhancing the completeness of service provision.
JOURNAL OF BIOSOCIAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joseph J. Sakala, Chancy S. Chimatiro, Racheal Salima, Arnold Kapachika, Josephine Kalepa, William Stones
Summary: The health system in Malawi faces a challenge of funding allocation influenced by donor priorities. Integrating vertical programs into horizontal services has the potential to improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) by addressing various limitations and strengthening the system.
MALAWI MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Annie D. Smith, Effie Chipeta, William Stones, Kristin Mmari
Summary: This study investigated the reasons why school-going young people aged 12-14 engage in dating relationships in Blantyre, Malawi. Findings revealed that factors such as growing sexual desires, peer pressure, and financial deprivation influenced their decisions. Girls were found to be subject to multiple power dynamics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these issues.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Lottie Howard-Merrill, Joyce Wamoyi, Daniel Nyato, Nambusi Kyegombe, Lori Heise, Ana Maria Buller
Summary: This study addresses the underexplored role of men in transactional sex, highlighting the gender norms and behavior displayed by men and the impact on perpetuating gendered hierarchies. It emphasizes the need for interventions that prioritize alternative positive norms and promote gender-transformative approaches.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Margaret W. Gichane, Joyce Wamoyi, Kaitlyn Atkins, Peter Balvanz, Suzanne Maman, Esther Majani, Audrey Pettifor
Summary: This study conducted interviews with young women aged 15-23 in northern Tanzania to examine the impact of cash transfers on their engagement in transactional sex. The findings suggest that cash transfers have the potential to reduce young women's involvement in transactional relationships by providing business capital and savings and altering partner selection criteria.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2022)